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The problem with Ben Smith's approach to this article - which unsurprisingly is the same problem voices like Duss and Rosenberg are attempting to correct - is the assumption that criticism of Israel's colonialist policies is 'anti-Israel'. Duss, Rosenberg and many others who share their still Zionist perspectives will argue that their approach is in fact pro-Israel because they call for saving Israeli from the quagmire of endless occupation.

If you look objectively at Israel, its occupation and its treatment of Palestinians, what you find is something inherently anti-progressive, anti-equality and opposed to the self-determination of millions of people. We shouldn't be questioning why American progressives oppose such policies since it is only natural for them to do so, rather, we should be asking why more Americans haven't done so yet. Duss, Rosenberg and others rightly argue that the future of America is moving in that direction.

The effect this will have on Obama's reelection prospects is barely worth discussing. Evangelicals didn't elect Obama and they won't reelect him. I doubt his campaign strategy will bet everything (or anything) on this constituency's support.

Further, American Jews are small in number, overwhelmingly Democrats, and rank support for Israel as their sixth most important campaign issue. They overwhelmingly identify as Americans first (though there are likely some exceptions) and characterizing all American Jews as one-issue (Israel) voters is inaccurate and borderline anti-Semitic. Also, there is a a growing and vibrant discussion withing the Jewish community about what 'support for Israel' means and more are concluding that clapping blindly while Israel marches off a cliff isn't the support it requires.

The Israel lobby is most effective with institutions like Congress where it has been instrumental at handcuffing the president's ability to press Israel to meet peace process obligations. It's effect on the level of national elections is waning significantly and I think that is in part due to voices like Duss and Rosenberg but more directly related to an increased understanding among Americans of what the Israeli occupation is and how it fundamentally contradicts values Americans hold dear.

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